The Department of Communications (DOC) has urged stakeholders to finalise software standards for the set-top boxes (STBs) to ensure the digital migration process is completed in time.
Speaking at the announcement of the Digital Dzonga Advisory Council, in Braamfontein, yesterday, minister Siphiwe Nyanda said urgent decisions had to be taken soon.
“We, therefore, urge all parties dealing in software-related issues to conclude their agreements so that manufacturing of STBs can commence in earnest,” he said.
On 1 November 2008, the country officially switched on the digital signal in line with converting its television broadcasting signals from analogue to digital technology. SA is in its three-year window of switching from the obsolete analogue broadcasting system to a new digital format that will allow a greater number of channels and more efficient use of spectrum.
Nyanda noted that the completion of software standards would allow the department to finalise the STB manufacturing strategy. A draft-manufacturing strategy was finalised recently and is being made available for public comment by the department. The minister added that the South African Bureau of Standards' release of the STB specifications, and approval of the STB hardware, were positive developments.
The advantages of the digital migration process far outweigh the estimated cost of the technology, Nyanda said. He noted that access to more channels and direct access to government services and information were some of the benefits of the process.
The date for digital switchover remains, he said, and collaboration with the Digital Dzonga Advisory Council was key to meeting this deadline. The analogue signal is expected to be switched off on 1 November 2011. He said he had faith in the advisory council and noted that members brought a lot of expertise to the process. The department was aware of the challenges and had not underestimated the magnitude and complexities of the migration process, he added.
“This is a challenging process, which no country can claim to have mastered. Ours now is to work with the Digital Dzonga to make sure the set targets are met,” he said.
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